Shopping

A visit to Morocco is absolutely incomplete without a visit to a medina in cities such as Marrakech and Fez. The trip to Moroccan shops involves visiting the old medinas or cities, consisting of various souks unlike the retail shops of the Western countries. Souks are traditional markets, each specializing in specific product types such as jewelry, food, clothing or carpets. However, now, the souks are no more restricted to selling one specific product but sell a variety of items. The co-opartim, the co-operative shops of the local craftsmen offer fixed prices and issue receipts to obtain custom clearance for export purposes. These shops are regularized under State control.

It is advisable to arrange for a guide with the help of your hotel while visiting the bigger medinas such as the Fez or Marrakech. It is also important to ensure the guide understands and speaks your language properly and fluently. A guide can brief you about the history of the medina and guide you through your shopping trip. It is not necessary to take a guide while visiting the smaller towns and their medinas.

Shopping in the medinas can be tricky, as the shopkeepers tend to be quite shrewd and would push you into buying almost anything regardless whether you want it or not. Do not hesitate to say a strict ‘no' when you don't want to buy something. Bargaining is also very important in these markets, as the opening prices quoted by these shopkeepers are usually twice as much you are supposed to pay and some might quote a price that is ten times more. In case you are not able to decide what price to pay, it is recommended to go for store that sells on ‘fixed rate' basis.

Some of the most popular and famous shopping items in Morocco include handicrafts, hand-woven woolen carpets, woodwork, jewelry, clothing and copper goods. Olives and spices are some of the most popular food items to look for while shopping in Morocco.

The most famous among the Moroccan carpets are the Berber carpets, which are handmade with naturally dyed wool. A wide range of colors from bright to sober and faded shades enhance the beauty of the carpets. Antique carpets are also available here. The prices of these carpets may vary depending on the handwork and quality of the item. The Fez carpets, with intricate patterns, dense knots and exclusive quality are considered to be the most expensive carpets of Morocco. The quality of these Fez carpets is always indicated by a tag. Beautiful rugs, known as kilims are cheaper and are available in silk, wool or a combination of both materials. Kilims can be used as wonderful wall hangings.

Spice shops are available in all medinas offering a wide variety of spices to choose from. Also, olives in Morocco are available in different flavors such as garlic, wine, sour, lemony and many others. Most meals are served with olives.

The metal work of Morocco has made it famous, especially its copperwork. The round platter copperwork is much sought after among tourists as well as local people. Intricate Islamic patterns are worked into different materials such as bronze silver and copper that provide a unique look to the Moroccan metal crafts.

Among the woodwork, patterns on Thuya wood from Essaouira are especially attractive with its string scent and beautiful burls. The wood is usually inlaid with other woods or silver and is highly in demand. It is advisable not to miss out on these unique woodcarvings and purchase them from the craftsmen while on your way to Essaouira.

Clothing includes jallaba and burnoose and can be some of the favorites to pick up along with straw hats that are really cheap. Also available are decorative leather jackets and colorful scarves. However, it is important to remember that the selection of western style clothes in Morocco is limited and expensive.

Shopping hours

Mon-Thurs 0830-1200 and 1430-1830

Fri 0830-1100 and 1500-1830

Large stores are open Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1500-1900

Souks (traditional markets) are open Mon-Sun 0830-1300 and 1430-1800